Rams starting running back Kyren Williams will be returning punts this season, according to coach Sean McVay.
Williams led the NFL in touches per game last season, inching out Christian McCaffrey with 21.7 touches. He was however very efficient with the ball and was one of the top backs throughout the season.
Only playing 12 games due to an ankle injury, Williams still put up 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns, while going for five yards a carry. He also added three receiving touchdowns to his total.
For many, Williams returning punts does not seem like the best idea. The Rams drafted Michigan star Blake Corum in the 2024 NFL Draft to help reduce his workload. McVay said that he feels comfortable in this decision due to the confidence he has in his rookie.
#Rams HC Sean McVay on Kyren Williams’ expanded role:
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) August 28, 2024
“Kyren Williams is gonna be our punt returner, and it’s another opportunity for him to get touches and impact the game, and you feel comfortable with that because of the confidence in Blake Corum and Ronnie Rivers being able… pic.twitter.com/ghNqULlMnd
This role may still concern many due to the injury history of Williams. He was hurt all throughout his rookie season, starting off with a broken foot. When he recovered, he then suffered a high ankle sprain causing him to miss several games in 2022.
Last season, Williams missed four games due to another high ankle sprain suffered in mid-October. Upon return, he lit it up, and ended his season very strong. However, in the Rams playoff game, he broke his hand which required surgery in the offseason.
The Rams will hope that he will be able to stay healthy and make a larger impact with his new role, but will face lots of backlash if he gets injured on a punt return. This play by McVay is very risky, but may pay off for him in the long run.
